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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Scotland braced for severe winds | Scotland braced for severe winds |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Scotland is preparing for severe winds, with gusts of over 80mph being forecast for Thursday afternoon. | Scotland is preparing for severe winds, with gusts of over 80mph being forecast for Thursday afternoon. |
| Travel is expected to be seriously disrupted and many schools will be closed. | |
| The Met Office said damaging, up to storm force winds, are set to affect central and southern Scotland, peaking during the afternoon into the evening rush hour. | The Met Office said damaging, up to storm force winds, are set to affect central and southern Scotland, peaking during the afternoon into the evening rush hour. |
| It said there is significant risk of structural damage. | It said there is significant risk of structural damage. |
| Following a meeting of the Scottish cabinet on Wednesday evening, local authorities were advised that all schools in the west of the central belt should be closed on Thursday, with schools in the east closed from lunchtime. | |
| It had earlier been confirmed that schools would close from lunchtime in the Borders, Renfrewshire and Stirling Council areas. | |
| Scotrail has advised commuters to consider leaving work early because of the possibility of afternoon rush-hour disruption. | Scotrail has advised commuters to consider leaving work early because of the possibility of afternoon rush-hour disruption. |
| Network Rail is expected to apply a speed restriction of 50mph from 10:00 on Thursday because of the danger of fallen trees and other debris on lines. | Network Rail is expected to apply a speed restriction of 50mph from 10:00 on Thursday because of the danger of fallen trees and other debris on lines. |
| Its route managing director for Scotland, David Simpson, said: "We will have over 350 engineers out on the network, working to keep the railway running. | Its route managing director for Scotland, David Simpson, said: "We will have over 350 engineers out on the network, working to keep the railway running. |
| "However, the extreme nature of the conditions, and the impact they can have on our infrastructure, means that a speed restriction is necessary in the interests of safety." | "However, the extreme nature of the conditions, and the impact they can have on our infrastructure, means that a speed restriction is necessary in the interests of safety." |
| Scotrail has prepared a temporary timetable, with a reduced service likely from mid-morning. | |
| Police in the Highlands have warned drivers to prepare thoroughly for any journeys they have to make. | Police in the Highlands have warned drivers to prepare thoroughly for any journeys they have to make. |
| Insp Steve Mardon said: "Drivers should take heed of weather forecasts and road conditions, plan their routes accordingly and allow plenty of time for their journey. | Insp Steve Mardon said: "Drivers should take heed of weather forecasts and road conditions, plan their routes accordingly and allow plenty of time for their journey. |
| "Be prepared for the worst by taking blankets, extra clothing, a shovel, food and drinks, and making sure your mobile phone is fully charged and you have useful contact numbers." | "Be prepared for the worst by taking blankets, extra clothing, a shovel, food and drinks, and making sure your mobile phone is fully charged and you have useful contact numbers." |
| Tayside Police have warned of bridge closures, power supply disruption and structural damage. | Tayside Police have warned of bridge closures, power supply disruption and structural damage. |
| They said fresh falls of snow and blizzard conditions are expected in places. | They said fresh falls of snow and blizzard conditions are expected in places. |
| Another casualty of the weather is the Christmas display in Glasgow's George Square. Glasgow Life has said the festive attractions will be closed all day on Thursday as a precaution. | Another casualty of the weather is the Christmas display in Glasgow's George Square. Glasgow Life has said the festive attractions will be closed all day on Thursday as a precaution. |
| Extremely difficult conditions are forecast around Scotland's coasts. The Met Office is warning of south or southeast winds of force 6 to gale force 8, veering into the west or southwest and increasing severe gale 9 to violent storm 11. |